Cooking for a crowd is one of life's great stressful pleasures. Take arms against a sea of tasks with these Sonoma-based finds.
DRINK DUTY: This earthenware drink dispenser not only boasts urban farmhouse style, but it also has stove-top safe bragging rights. So you can cook your cider and dispense it, too, without an extra dish to clean. Nice idea after feeding an army with this 14.5 qt. capacity crock. $96, Barlow Supply Co., 6770 McKinley St, #140, Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, facebook.com/barlowsupplyco. Photo: Anna Schneider
BARREL OF BITES: Be a little more literal about serving your food in wine country style with this good-sized slice-of-barrel bowl. Made from a section of an actual wine barrel, this stunning piece makes a rustic statement with its wine-stained planks. A great platter for a whole mess of appetizers. $65, Sign of the Bear Kitchenware, 435 1st St W, Sonoma, 707-996-3722, facebook.com/Sign-of-the-Bear-Kitchenware-and-Tableware-306265830590
HOT SPOT: This 5-qt. capacity stainless steel and glass-lidded chafing dish can go from oven to table and sits over tea lights to keep your offerings warm. Keep within the one pot theory, because dishes! $59.99, Hardisty’s, 1513 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, 707-545-0535, hardistys.com
COOK’S COVERAGE: While the aim is for food to end up on guests's plates, sometimes a funny thing happens on the way to the chafing dish. Don’t wear your errors, but let this beautiful apron help you take cover. These pieces are made in-house by Bolt and are available in a variety of patterns, like this vintage-inspired botanical print design. $36, Bolt Fabrics, 219 North Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-2658, boltcloverdale.com
Show your host/hostess some gratitude, with these sweet Sonoma-made gifts.
